“At all times the Black Ash may be known by its strikingly slim figure. The slender branches are almost upright and form a narrow head, making a remarkably gracile outline for an Ash.” ~Black Ash, Fraxinus nigra Marshall

The shiny blue/black winter buds
for one. Basket tree.
Two hacks of the hatchet

for a corner.
The very dark green of the foliage too,
perhaps. And growth is fast.

With some vigorous beating.
The dark heartwood,
which frequently. Witness tree.